Keeping in touch with a large number of people can be difficult. Whether it’s a list of business clients or members of a school project, messaging people inpidually takes up time that you could use more of.
Fortunately, there are ways to simplify this process by using Google Sheets and WhatsApp. In this article, we will show you what the Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration is all about and see if such an integration suits your needs.
Use WhatsApp from Google Sheets
The idea of the Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration is that you use the spreadsheet app as a directory and then use it to send mass messages. Although Google Sheets on its own does not have this capability, it can be enabled through add-ons or the built-in script editor.
An add-on is essentially a program within a program that extends the usefulness of the Google Sheets app. Downloads an add-on from the G Suite Marketplace library and then adds it to the Google Sheets program. The Script Editor, on the other hand, allows you to create your own code that can perform actions that Google Sheets normally won’t perform.
What type of integration should I use?
The difference between using a plugin and using the script editor is quite considerable. Add-ons are essentially ready-made programs that you just install in Google Sheets, and the Script Editor is a blank slate on which you’ll have to write code. It’s a question of convenience versus versatility.
Using a plugin only requires the act of downloading it, but is limited by what is already programmed into the plugin. Using the Script Editor allows you to modify the code to fit your exact needs, but you will have to enter it manually or use a template that you can then modify.
If you are comfortable using the programming language, then the Script Editor is definitely the way to go. This allows you to have the most control over how your Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration will behave, only at the cost of programming time. If you’re not familiar with coding, finding a plugin that does the work for you is an acceptable option. It’s simple and will usually work as advertised.
Using plugins for integration
To download an add-on, click Add-ons at the top of the Google Sheets menu, and then click Get Add-ons. This will open G Suite Marketplace. Type the name of the plugin you want to download and click on the result.
Installing plugins requires you to enter a Google account before it can be enabled. Select the account you want to use and then click Allow to give the add-in permission to modify your Google Sheets file. Once installed, any plugin you download can be accessed by clicking the Plugins menu and clicking the name in the list.
Useful plugins for Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration are flock sheet, WhatsApp messagesand Message sender for WhatsApp. Most of the plugins listed are free, if you need an account to use FlockSheet. However, there is a trial period available, so you can use it if you want to try the app. Each plugin has its own instructions on how to use them to send bulk messages through WhatsApp.
Using the script editor
The Script Editor for Google Sheets can be accessed by clicking Tools in the top menu of Google Sheets and then choosing Script Editor. This will open a coding window where you can write the script you want to use. There are already many WhatsApp integration codes available, and a good example is one created by Twilio. They provide a template for the code itself and the additional resources you need to make the code work.
A practical alternative
As there is no native Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration yet, the script editor and add-ons offer a useful alternative. Although it’s not exactly intended for the casual user, those who use Google Sheets regularly should find this feature to their advantage.
Do you have any advice on Google Sheets and WhatsApp integration? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
